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A security guard drinks from a bottle near an ad for e-CNY, or digital yuan, in Beijing on August 31, 2022. Photo: AP

China adds 12 banks to digital yuan system, expanding e-CNY’s economic presence

More than doubling the number of institutions using digital yuan in day-to-day operations, China is deepening the currency's role in its financial system.

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What 2 new laws at ‘two sessions’ mean for China’s financial superpower push

Yuan
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China Economy

How China plans to use new law to further its financial superpower ambitions

The draft finance law, released by the Ministry of Justice, central bank and three other regulators, will solicit feedback until April 19.

Science

From years to a week: China’s superfast software for hypersonic weapon design

China’s new software simulates scramjet physics in one week versus years, marking high-fidelity leap in hypersonic engine research.

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Military

How did Iran manage to detect and damage a US F-35? Chinese experts map out ways

US Central Command says stealth fighter was forced to make an emergency landing during a combat mission over Iran.

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US-Israel war on Iran
Smoke and flames rise at the site of air strikes on an oil depot in Tehran, capital of Iran, on March 7. Photo: TNS

How long will US-Israel war on Iran last? Chinese analysts offer clues

Politics

Exclusive | Trump ally Steve Daines will be first US senator to visit Hong Kong since 2019

As Beijing and Washington negotiate new schedule for Trump’s visit, Daines is expected to meet US business leaders in Hong Kong on March 30.

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US Senator Steve Daines, who is expected to visit Hong Kong this month, has a long history with China, dating back to his position with Procter & Gamble in the 1990s. Photo: Reuters
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Military

Can the US reopen the Strait of Hormuz? Many military analysts are sceptical

Chinese observers question whether air strikes, and even a limited ground presence, will be enough to remove the threat to shipping.

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Society

Residents of Tai Po blaze building misled over renovation project, inquiry told

Ties among companies bidding for work at Wang Fuk Court also suggest possible under-the-table relationships, independent committee hears.

Business

How Schneider Electric powers Hong Kong’s ecosystem innovation

InvestHK backs firm’s efforts to optimise energy use in city’s buildings, infrastructure and transport as part of its low-carbon transition.

In partnership with:
InvestHK
A charging station designed for both private and commercial use was one of Schneider Electric’s eMobility solutions showcased at last October’s Innovation Summit Hong Kong 2025. Photo: Schneider Electric

China Economy

Strait of Hormuz tensions rise as Iran reportedly charges ships for safe passage

Around 20,000 seafarers are still stuck in the Gulf as Tehran reportedly charges at least one tanker about US$2 million to pass through the strait.

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A liquefied petroleum gas tanker is anchored near the Strait of Hormuz, which remains almost entirely closed to shipping traffic amid the US-Israeli war on Iran. Photo: Photo: Reuters

Politics

Trump’s Pearl Harbour joke falls flat in Japan over his ‘disrespectful remarks’

As Japan faces pressure over the Iran war, some observers commend Takaichi for steering her meeting with Trump towards trade deals.

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United States & Canada

Trump calls Nato ‘cowards’ over lack of support in Iran war

Trump has ‌been calling for major US allies and others to help secure the safety of shipping through the Iran-controlled Strait of Hormuz.

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Banking & Finance

China’s Unitree Robotics rides humanoid tide as it targets US$610m IPO

Prospectus reveals that company’s revenue jumped 335 per cent last year, while net profit surged nearly eight times.

Unitree’s G1 robot is displayed during the World AI Cannes Festival 2026, in Cannes, France, on February 12, 2026. Photo: EPA

Politics

Taiwan opposition parties join forces for local polls with eye on 2028 race

Main opposition Kuomintang and smaller Taiwan People’s Party approve cooperation agreement to contest local elections in November.

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Alliance for coming local elections marks a further effort by the KMT and TPP to challenge the ruling DPP and avoid splitting the vote. Photo: Elson Li

Global Economy

US loses, Europe gains: what’s happening with China’s rare earth magnet exports?

Latest data shows a persistent drop in US-bound shipments and rising European imports.

China Economy

China’s Russian oil imports spike in early 2026, but Iran war changes outlook

China’s need to bolster crude stockpiles amid rising geopolitical risks likely to have been a factor behind pre-war import surge, analyst says.

United States & Canada

Action movie star Chuck Norris dies at 86

His epic fight with kung fu superstar Bruce Lee in ‘The Way of The Dragon’ helped turn Norris into an icon.

Chuck Norris’ epic fight with the kung fu superstar Bruce Lee in “The Way of The Dragon” helped turn him into an icon on big and small screens alike. Photo: AFP

Europe

Norway crown princess says she was ‘manipulated’ by Epstein

Recent polls show most Norwegians oppose the idea of Mette-Marit ever becoming queen.

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Norwegian Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s name appears in new Epstein documents released by the US Department of Justice earlier in 2026. Photo: AFP

Europe

Pregnant woman and 5 kids die in container fire in Turkey

The 27-year-old mother was seven months pregnant, with her husband fighting for his life after the blaze.

Hong Kong Economy

Hong Kong should use ‘safe haven’ status to draw capital from Gulf: agency chief

InvestHK director general says more firms using Dubai as a hub have shifted to the city to diversify risk because of conflict.

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OPINION
Alex Lo

As I see it | Why the world may now need an Iranian nuclear bomb

Alex Lo
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David Dodwell

Outside In | As Iran war escalates, the US ramps up its trade war

David Dodwell
Bernard Chan

Opinion | Iran war revives pandemic-era shocks – and may go further

Bernard Chan
Letters

Letters | Hong Kong has a chance to lead the world in marine underwriting

Letters
SCMP Editorial

Editorial | Special laws can help the Northern Metropolis pick up pace

SCMP Editorial
Harry’s View | 21 Mar 2026
March 20, 2026
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LATEST

Law and Crime

Hong Kong police hunt 3 suspects over US$12 million gold theft

Europe

Pregnant woman and 5 kids die in container fire in Turkey

United States & Canada

Action movie star Chuck Norris dies at 86

China Economy

China adds 12 banks to digital yuan system, expanding e-CNY’s economic presence

Science

From years to a week: China’s superfast software for hypersonic weapon design

Society

Residents of Tai Po blaze building misled over renovation project, inquiry told

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SCMP Series
AI's impact on Hong Kong
‘Two sessions’: China’s economic agenda
China Inc. goes global
Challenges and pathways in the South China Sea
Illustration: Henry Wong
SCMP SeriesAI's impact on Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s bid to win in AI: where are the road map and the guardrails?

Hong Kong’s AI revolution accelerates as policy funds skills training while industries and educators rush to integrate the shift.

Exclusive | Hong Kong job openings hit 6-year low in 69% of sectors amid AI’s ascent

Is AI displacing young people for entry-level jobs?

Open Questions series

Military

Open Questions | Why Iran war may drive East Asia nuclear race, hit China in Mideast: Zhao Tong

Carnegie nuclear policy expert says law of the jungle signalled by US actions could spur more countries to pursue nuclear weapons.

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Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Strikes on Iran not the biggest threat to China’s belt and road goals: Pan Guang

Mainland academic assesses the risks to Chinese investment and diplomacy in the region and what it means for the other main players.

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Global Economy

Open Questions | Top shipbuilding voice Li Yanqing rebukes Washington’s ‘China threat’ narrative

China’s national shipbuilding association official calls US port fees ‘absurd’ and politically motivated, while asserting China’s market lead is solid despite global fluctuations.

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Diplomacy

Open Questions | Abraham Newman on ‘weaponised interdependence’ in ‘neo‑royalist’ Trump era

American political scientist on how ‘interdependence’ can be exploited as part of the rivalry between major powers.

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
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China Future Tech
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Tech

Can Nvidia’s inference push at GTC help or hinder China’s catch-up efforts?

Nvidia’s Groq 3 LPU chip widens the AI gap with China, but offers Chinese firms niche inference market opportunities, analysts say.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang speaks during the company’s annual GTC conference in San Jose on Monday. Photo: Bay Area News Group via AP

Banking & Finance

China’s Unitree Robotics rides humanoid tide as it targets US$610m IPO

Prospectus reveals that company’s revenue jumped 335 per cent last year, while net profit surged nearly eight times.

Tech

Preview of Alibaba’s top AI model leads Chinese peers, lags US rivals

Qwen3.5-Max-Preview enters a global ranking at 15th, behind models from Anthropic, OpenAI and Google.

China Business

Global drug giants double down on China amid push for self-reliant supply chains

Multinationals are building self-reliant supply chains in China to insulate local markets from potential trade disruptions, say analysts.

AstraZeneca’s booth at the China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing, July 17, 2025. Photo: EPA

Diplomacy

Why Beijing has struggled to rally Asia against Japan over PM’s Taiwan remarks

Many in the region harbour security concerns similar to Tokyo’s and prefer to stay neutral between the Asian heavyweights, analysts say.

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

Diplomacy

Why Japan thinks China’s growing cultural clout is something it needs to counter

The global success of Chinese video games and animation – as well as the appeal of traditional culture – has triggered a reaction in Tokyo.

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Military

How are military helicopters evolving to adapt to the age of drone warfare?

Armed forces such as the US and China are increasingly arming themselves with UAVs, but analysts believe crewed aircraft still have a role.

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Tech Trends

Inside the OpenClaw AI mania in China, as security fears and enthusiasm surge

Appeal of autonomous AI agent spurs rapid adoption across country, from tech pros to retirees seeking a ‘digital staff’, but data wipes mar its rise and trigger warnings.

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Illustration: Henry Wong
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